Preparing questions in advance can help patients have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions about alcohol and diabetes:

1. Is it safe for me to drink alcohol? If so, how much?
   
   
2. Are there particular situations in which I should not drink alcohol, such as unusual glucose levels?
   
   
3. Is it important for me to eat before or while drinking alcohol?
   
   
4. Do I need to carry the instant glucose solutions with me if I plan on having a drink?
   
   
5. Should my emergency plan for severe hypoglycemia or diabetic coma include glucagon? When should glucagon not be used? Should I wear a medical ID bracelet?
   
   
6. Do I need to test my blood glucose when I have a drink?
   
   
7. Must I limit or avoid exercise when having a drink?
   
   
8. After I have an alcoholic drink, should I eat an extra snack before bedtime?
   
   
9. Does alcohol interfere with my insulin, antidiabetic agents or other medications?
   
   
10. Can improvements in diet and exercise make it safer for me to drink alcohol?
    
    
11. Can moderate consumption of red wine or other drinks have health benefits for me, such as reduced risk of heart disease or cancer?
    
    
12. Does alcohol increase my risk of diabetic kidney disease, eye disease, nerve damage or other complications?
    
    
13. How can I tell if alcohol is causing a problem with my diabetes?
    
    
14. What do you recommend if I am having trouble controlling my drinking?
    
    
15. For my loved ones who don’t have diabetes, can light drinking reduce their risk? Does heavy drinking increase their risk of diabetes?